Cool Tool Review #5 - Soundation

Greetings, dear readers.  You may notice a slight change.  I originally thought that I would be reviewing audioboom.  However, to my chagrin, that app is for people to share already created podcasts.  So, I pivoted to another audio tool called soundation to review.  This app allows for users to record and mix sounds in an online environment.

Here's how you will be greeted when you arrive to Soundation:

When you enter the studio, you will see that a few simple clicks allow users to begin recording sounds immediately.  The studio looks like this:

For my major project, I am attempting to learn some French.  I wanted to be able to show how I am progressing in learning pronunciation.  So, without further ado, here is the recording I made of saying the days of the week and the months of the year.  

The application also has many more advanced features.  It allows for users to record multiple sounds and be able to mix the sounds together.  The app also has a library of prerecorded sounds ranging from instruments to sound effects.  Additionally, there is a virtual keyboard that users can play to record music as well as the opportunity to plug MIDI instruments into record music.  When a track is complete, it can be saved and published.  It is also possible to browse the library of other tracks that people have published.

This tool has a lot of possibility for the classroom.  It is a great way for students to be able to record sounds to be evaluated.  It could be for a foreign language class where a teacher can critique pronunciation or a reading course where a student could read aloud a passage.  The app could even be used to allow students to make their own podcasts.  Sound effects and music could be added to make the production values better.  Music courses could use this for composition.

Teachers would want to use this tool because it is very easy to use.  One click allows students to record and drop and drag editing makes it easy.  Even mixing is made relatively easy and the library of music and sounds means that students do not have to produce all content.  It would be easy to make a high quality item.

Students will find the tool relatively easy to use.  I also enjoyed that the app allows for those who are into sound design and mixing to take things a step further.  They could sample other sounds and mix them in.  However, the basic functions are simple to learn allowing for even novices to be able to use the app.  The downside to this app is that to be able to save sounds and share them, users need to upgrade to a paid account.  A free account allows users to make sounds and listen to sounds only.  Saving requires an upgrade.

Overall, I enjoyed working with Soundation.